5 Healthy Spreads for Bread

To manage the munchies, the French have the right idea: Eat something really delicious.

Our new favorite? Crostini from Alain Ducasse's cookbook Nature: Simple, Healthy, and Good. Ducasse, who has 23 restaurants in eight countries, created these toast toppers, which will leave you feeling full and happy.

Olives and olive oil, two mainstays of the Mediterranean diet, come together in this savory spread.

It's traditionally made with a mortar and pestle (pound until smooth), but a blender works just as well—and more quickly. Ducasse recommends Nicoise olives, but kalamatas work well, too.

Try this recipe: Tapenade

This is a traditional Greek dish that combines cucumber and yogurt. The ingredient piment d'Espelette is a French variety of mild ground chile.

Try this recipe: Tzatziki

If you're making this in advance, microwave for 10 seconds before serving. Saffron threads are available in most supermarkets.

Try this recipe: Dried Fruit Condiment

This is almost like a salad on toast, but there's no vinegar because its potency would overwhelm the delicate greens. If you'd like a touch of acidity, squeeze lemon juice on top just before serving.

Try this recipe: Herb Tartines

The best part of this is the crunchy pumpkin seeds. Don't stir them in until you're ready to serve; otherwise, they'll get soft. Red kuri and Hokkaido squash are sweet pumpkin varieties with orange-red skin and deep orange flesh.

Try this recipe: Pumpkin Seed Condiment